He stared hard at her. “What the fuck is that supposed to mean? I hope not thinking about doing something stupid. Because if you are thinking about getting rid of it, you better stop right now.”
Fury filled her. “No! I can’t believe you think I’d do something like that. Even if I did, that’s not your choice to make.”
“The hell it isn’t. I know I’m still not sure about this—”
“Not sure? Andrei, this is happening whether we want it to or not.” She had to go before she made a scene by doing something like throwing her leftover ginger ale in his face. “I have to get back to work.”
“Fine, but you’re coming over to my place tonight.”
“I don’t think so.”
“You didn’t eat lunch, and I’m almost certain you won’t eat dinner if I don’t make sure you sit down for a real meal. That’s why I am cooking something you can eat without getting sick. You’re coming over.” He said it with such finality and command that she didn’t know how to respond.
She tried to walk away, but he had enough cash for the food and tip. He was right on her heels.
She stopped before they got near her building and turned to face him. “I can get back to work on my own,” she said, her voice cold.
He was already tall and overbearing, but it seemed like he overshadowed her even more with his stern gaze and unmoving posture. “I’m not leaving your side until you promise you’ll be at my place tonight.”
“Andrei—”
“Do you want me to come upstairs with you and walk you to your office?”
“No!”
“How about show up at your place? We both know I can knock hard until you open up. Your neighbors may be a little upset at the noise, but if that’s what it takes...”
“Fine!” she forced out. “I have to go to my place first to at least get some clothes.”
“I’ll be waiting,” he said. He took her off-guard by pulling her to him and kissing her.
When he touched her, it didn’t matter that she couldn’t stand him. Her traitorous body still reacted to him. Her nipples were hard from his simple kiss.
When he pulled away, he smiled with his victory. This time, it wasn’t so charming. He was so cocky and sure of himself; he knew what he could do. She hated it even more because it was still sexy as hell. Even though her mind was angry, her body still wanted him. She was mad at herself for that.
“If I don’t hear from you by seven, I’m coming over.”
She groaned out her frustration and stormed off before she could do something violent they both would regret and possibly get her arrested.
Chapter 16
Victoria
Victoria wasn’t in the mood to just obey Andrei. He needed to know that she needed to be respected. Even though he went all possessive on her earlier, she was still going to use her leverage as any smart counsel would. Sure, she still packed her overnight things like she told him and even got to his place at one minute past seven, and he called just like she thought he would.
“Hi, Andrei,” she said calmly after answering.
“Where are you, Victoria.”
“Still packing.” She smiled, imaging him pacing and getting riled up.
“You were supposed to be here by now. It’s after seven.”
“Is it? I must have lost track of time.”
“I’m coming over.”
“No one can stop you from doing what you have to do. We’re both adults.”